A family that takes a kid into their home for a while and takes care of him or her is called a 'foster family'. 'Foster' means to take care of and to help to grow and develop – and that is what a foster family does for the kid.

Foster parents may or may not be relatives of the child, but they are acting as parents to that child while he or she is living with them.

Some kids may be fostered for a short time until their mum or dad can take care of them again.

Some kids may be taken under the protection of the Government because they are in a bad situation at home or may have run away from home. Foster care can give them a chance at a normal life, where they can go to school, be looked after at home, have friends and feel safe.

Sometimes kids can move around between foster families, but other times they may stay with a foster family until their own family can look after them again.

Family services try to help families get back together so that the kid will be safe and looked after.

" It's a good idea to learn the rules of the foster home and stick to them."

"Try to make friends in the class and in the foster home. It gets easier if you really try."

"Don't tell other kids about your problems. Some kids like to tease."

"Try to keep something you really like with you, like a teddy or a toy. Then you can feel not so lonely."

"Talk with your social worker if you are having troubles in the foster family."

"My mum was sick and had to go to hospital. I went to stay with foster parents because there was no one else to look after me. I was scared, but they were kind, the other kids were ok and mum got better so I'm home again now."

Every kid has the right to a peaceful life, a safe place to live and food to eat. Some kids need to be away from their biological families and in a foster home so that they can have these rights. Biological (by-oh-log-i-kal) family means people who are related by blood or marriage.

If you are a foster child you can talk to your social worker if you are having problems fitting into your foster home.

You can also call the Kids Helpline at any time 1800 55 1800. It's a free call.

We've provided this information to help you to understand important things about staying healthy and happy. However, if you feel sick or unhappy, it is important to tell your mum or dad, a teacher or another grown-up.